Soroti CAO Pinned over Stalled NAADS Project

In shortIt is alleged that Okello paid the money to Java contractors for the construction of farmerâ€™s houses that were supposed to house modern cassava processing machines under the National Agricultural advisory Services-(NAADS) during the financial year 2010/2011.

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Soroti Chief Administrative Officer Charles Okello is tasked to explain why he fully paid up to Ugx 231 million to a contractor before completion of a contract.

It is alleged that Okello paid the money to Java contractors for the construction of farmer’s houses that were supposed to house modern cassava processing machines under the National Agricultural advisory Services-(NAADS) during the financial year 2010/2011.

The project is aimed at establishing model cassava farmers who will with the assistance of modern cassava drying machines produce high quality dried cassava for the market. However, the construction that was expected to be completed in 2012 is partially complete.

Soroti district councilors now want the matter fully investigated and action taken against the Chief administrative officer whom they accuse of causing financial loss to the district.

David Erwau, the chairman of the district finance committee led the group petitioning the speaker to take action on the matter and demanded that the CAO be summoned to give a detailed account of the transactions.

// Cue in: “What I want to make…Cue out...madam Kokoi.” //

Meanwhile David Ejoku, a Councilor representing Asuret sub-county added that they are still conducting prior investigations into the matter before the concerned officers are forwarded to face the disciplinary committee.

// Cue in: “ We want that matter…Cue out...civil servant.” //

But Tom Gidudu the Soroti Deputy Chief Administrative Officer could not deny nor confirm the payment. He however told URN that the district administrative officers are guided by contractual agreements and procurement guidelines in effecting payments.

/ Cue in: “Our hands are tied…Cue out...what happens.” //

Andrew Odongo the district speaker acknowledged receipt of the petition which he said will be forwarded to the finance committee for further investigations.

However, Rosette Kokoi, the manager Cassava project Soroti district told URN that the advanced payment was to cover the cost of raising walls up to roofing level. The farmers would then purchase iron sheets and facilitate the roofing.